THIS week in Down Memory Lane we look at one aspect of keeping fit from the past which still goes on today.

The ground breaking development of dance to keep fit was the product of Eileen Fowler’s routines.

She lived in Horndon and operated around many of our local factories, employing many women in the work force.

Exercising to music, often with props, was a new concept at the time. Her displays and demonstrations were given by teams from her various groups.

She held fitness classes at Bata, East Tilbury, Queen’s Hotel, Grays, and at Thames Board Mills, Purfleet. She was able to bring her unique presentation skills to that task.

Her classes often featured smiling girls with ‘EF’ on their shirts. She was a founder member of the Keep Fit Association in 1956.

She also produced fitness programmes which were a feature of radio and television from 1954 and 1961. She was awarded MBE in 1975 and died on March 7, 2000.

If you are interested in finding out more about Thurrock’s heritage of keep fit and sport I am giving a presentation at the Civic Hall for Older People’s Day – Get Active Stay Active on Wednesday, October 6.

More details from Karen Glazzard, Older Person’s Development Worker at Thurrock CVS, on 01375 389889.

Finally grateful thanks to all who got involved in our first ever Thurrock Heritage Month.

I estimate that more than 6,000 people visited heritage sites, came to talks and walks during the month to the 33 individual events featured.